![Explosive Engineering officers from Gaza's Interior Ministry continue to work on the rubble of buildings to neutralize missiles and tank shells that left remain after used by Israel in its attacks in Rafah, Gaza on January 23, 2025. [Mahmoud Bassam - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AA-20250124-36844592-36844590-UNEXPLODED_BOMBS_AND_SHELLS_POSE_DANGER_TO_PALESTINIANS_IN_GAZA.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Gaza’s Interior Ministry today urged authorities to allow the entry of personal protective equipment for its bomb disposal teams to safely dismantle unexploded ordnance left by the Israeli occupation army in the enclave.
“We appeal to international relief organisations to allow access to personal protective equipment for bomb disposal teams who risk their lives and operate in poor conditions without any personal safety equipment,” it said in a statement.
A Palestinian expert was injured yesterday when an ordnance exploded as he was trying to dismantle it in northern Gaza. Three teens were also wounded in another bomb explosion east of Jabalia in northern Gaza.
The ministry called on Palestinian residents “to stay away from any objects or war remnants to maintain their safety.”
There are no clear estimates about how many Palestinians were killed or injured by unexploded ordnance in Gaza.
Thousands of unexploded munitions fired by the Israeli occupation army have remained scattered across Gaza since 7 October 2023, Israeli media reported in January. The occupation army fired tens of thousands of munitions into Gaza, with the air force alone dropping approximately 30,000 bombs since it launched its genocidal war on the enclave.
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) stated in April 2024 that an estimated 7,500 tonnes of unexploded ordnance are scattered across Gaza, a cleanup process that could take up to 14 years.
READ: MSF: Removing unexploded ordnance in Gaza will take years